“Cap” vs. “Hat”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “cap” and “hat”

  • Caps are typically more casual and sporty, while hats are more general and can mean a wide variety of different headgear.
  • Caps usually have a more structured fit without much give, unlike hats that can vary in fit and shape.
  • The brims on caps tend to be firm, while hats can have small or large brims and can be made from materials ranging from cotton to leather.
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What is the definition of “cap” and “hat”?

Cap
  • A cap is a type of headgear that fits tightly and covers only the top of the head.
  • Caps usually have a brim or visor to shade the eyes from the sun.
  • Caps are often worn as part of a uniform or for sports teams.
Hat
  • A hat is a type of headgear that covers the entire head and can have a brim or a peak.
  • Hats can be made from various materials including felt, straw, and fabric.
  • Hats are usually worn for fashion, protection from the sun, or warmth.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Hat” is the more popular variant on the web.
Cap
964,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I always wear a cap when I go out on a sunny day.
  2. The baseball team was disappointed to find out that the new caps were too small for their heads.
  3. The swimmer wore a swim cap to keep her hair dry.
More popular
Hat
1,630,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. My mom bought a beautiful sun hat for her beach vacation.
  2. The detective disguised himself with a hat and sunglasses to blend in with the crowd.
  3. Every winter, my dad wears a thick woolen hat to keep his head warm.
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